How to Make a Copper Pipe Towel Rack

I like my towels to be completely dry when I need them, but I'm not a fan of traditional towel bars. So, I sat down with a pile of towels and a bundle of copper plumbing pipes and came up with this design. There's enough space to fully hang-dry two regular-sized bath towels, a couple of hand towels, and a shelf for what-have-you.

Step 1

To cut each piece of copper pipe, measure and mark a cut line on the pipe, using a pencil or marker.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 2

Slide the tubing cutter over the pipe, aligning the blade with the cut line. Tighten the knob on the bottom until it is snug—enough to hold it in place but not so much that the cutter can't be rotated around the pipe.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 3

Turn the pipe and, with each revolution, tighten the knob a half turn. Each time this is done, the scoring mark should become clearer.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 4

After a few revolutions, the copper should come apart easily.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 5

Shine the copper with steel wool.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Tip

This is not a necessary step, so if you prefer the tarnished look you can skip the polishing. Copper pipe usually has factory printing on it, so I polish it away with the steel wool and then let it tarnish naturally.

Step 6

To join the pipe segments to the fittings, apply the glue in a thick ring on the inside of the fittings.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 7

When joining the pipe with the fittings, give the pipe a few turns to more evenly disperse the glue.

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Step 8

Join together six pieces at 2 inches, two pieces at 30 inches, and four T-fittings, as shown.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 9

Add two 90° elbow fittings to the front and two T-fittings to the back, as shown.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 10

Add to the back two pieces of pipe at 7 3/8 inches, one piece at 30 inches, and two T-fittings.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 11

Add to the front two pieces at 7 3/8 inches, one piece at 30 inches, and two T-fittings.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 12

Add to the top four pieces at 2 inches, four 90° elbow fittings, and two pieces at 7 3/8 inches.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 13

For the legs, attach two pieces at 12 inches, two end caps, two T-fittings, and one piece at 30 inches.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 14

Add two pieces at 26 inches.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Set aside the copper to let the glue dry.

Step 15

Sand the 1 x 8 with an orbital sander.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Tip

I happened to have this piece leftover from a previous project. Any scrap that you might have that is at least this length and width will do. If not, you can easily get this from your local hardware/lumber store. Sometimes they have their own scrap pile that you can look through and get smaller pieces, such as this one, for a low price.

Step 16

Use a piece of sandpaper to "break" or slightly soften the sharp edges.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 17

Wipe away all sawdust.

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Step 18

Apply one coat of polycrylic finish.

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Tip

If you wish to apply a second coat, give the board a light sanding in between coats. Be sure to wipe the board clean before applying the second coat.

Step 19

Once the polycrylic finish is completely dry, center the copper assembly on the board.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Step 20

Attach the copper assembly to the board using four copper tube straps and 1/2-inch screws.

(Image: HomeMade Modern)

Flip the rack over and attach to the legs. Bask in the glory of your accomplishment.

You can attach this rack to your bathroom wall with 8 to 12 1/2-inch copper tube straps.